It is always sad when a classic crosses our desks at Barn Finds where the owner must sell due to deteriorating health. Such is the case with this 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 LTD. It presents exceptionally well for a classic of this vintage, and the rebuilt V8 under the hood provides the power to match those looks. It has no urgent needs and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Ford listed here on eBay in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The owner set their BIN at $21,000 with the option to make an offer.
Ford introduced a new Galaxie range for the 1965 model year. The styling was far bolder and more aggressive than its predecessor, while an increase in overall length provided marginally more interior space. The seller has listed this first-year Galaxie 500 LTD on behalf of their father. Deteriorating health means that he can no longer drive a classic that has been his constant companion since 2017. That gentleman’s affection for the Ford is reflected in the attention it has received. He had it repainted in its original Dark Green almost as soon as he took delivery, adding a new Black vinyl top in 2019. The results justified the expense, because this Galaxie looks stunning. There are no cosmetic shortcomings; the paint, panels, and vinyl all present beautifully. The restored bumpers enhance the visual appeal of a rust-free car. The remaining trim and tinted glass are excellent, and the narrow whitewalls provide the ideal finishing touch.
The original owner walked the middle ground when selecting the engine powering this Galaxie. They teamed the 352ci V8 with a three-speed C4 automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The 352 is a pretty healthy performer, developing a factory-quoted 250hp. If the car’s physical condition is positive, the same is true beneath the surface. The owner had the engine rebuilt, and it has only clocked around 4,000 miles since. The seller confirms that the four-barrel carburetor is probably too big, but that the Ford still runs and drives extremely well. They say that they wouldn’t hesitate to slip behind the wheel to drive it anywhere, confirming that this is a turnkey proposition.
The current owner lavished more TLC on this Ford’s interior, installing new seatcovers that remain in as-new condition. In fact, the only genuine cosmetic shortcomings are the slightly faded carpet and the cracked wheel. Neither problem is insurmountable, and wouldn’t cost a fortune to address. The seller confirms that the air conditioning is inoperative due to a faulty expansion valve, and that the factory radio and windshield washers don’t work. Otherwise, it is plain sailing for this classic’s new owner.
This 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 LTD ticks so many boxes that it is almost too good to be true. That doesn’t mean that it’s perfect, but its flaws are so minor that most could be easily ignored. It is a turnkey proposition that should offer the buyer years of reliable motoring joy. The price is above market expectations, although the figure isn’t unprecedented. Do you think this Ford will find a new home at $21,000, or will seller compromise be the order of the day?
Like you note Adam, this LTD has a few issues but in the big picture they are minor. Overall it looks like a very nice car. Love the green buttoned cloth upholstery. AI says the 1965 LTD sold over 100,000 cars and was 20% of the full size Ford sales, so I’d say it was a big success. Although it pretty much duplicated what Mercury was meant to be in the FoMoCo lineup of the day.
When I was a kid, a friends dad had a car exactly like this. They weren’t rich, he and his mom both worked at Briggs ( for like 45 years), and coughed up about $3316 for this car, or about $648 dollars more than a regular Galaxie 500. Now,,,when I complain about how someone could easily afford $3500, have a nice home, AND a color TV. Can people spend 5 figures on seemingly foolish purchases and still have all what we had in 1965? Time will tell, huh. With no bids, I think they may be a bit surprised at the lack of interest today.
Nice daily driver. The BIN is certainly optimistic especially considering non-working AC, radio and cracked steering wheel. Why not just fix this crap and be realistic on price. Can’t see anyone paying more than 10-12K.
You are right. People may like these, but that’s not the same as wanting to own one, especially for $21,000. They have a small pool of potential buyers, price matters, there are a lot of similar cars available for a fraction of the price.
Steve R
Many years ago my next door neighbor had a twin to this car except it was maroon and reverse did not work. Their driveway had a decent incline so they had no trouble getting in or out from there. But I always wondered how they managed elsewhere without reverse.
Reminds me of a buddy that had a rambler wagon in high school. They had a flat driveway and no on street parking so he drove all the way around his house when he wanted to leave.
If everything worked & it needed absolutely nothing, the ask might not be bad because you wouldn’t need to turn around & dump more into it. As it stands, yeah, it’s probably overpriced. But still cooler to me than most any of the more sought-after classics.